In-Box Review

Most modellers will know Vector for their resin engines in 1/48 scale. These were always of a very high quality. For some time, the Russian manufacturer has also ventured into full kits and aftermarket accessories for kits by other producers. The material used is still resin, which is very good for the detail that can be achieved, but requires some different construction techniques to normal plastic kits, especially for gluing.

This set is designed for the P-51 Mustang kits from Tamiya and ICM. The wheel wells are one of the weak points of all 48 scale Mustang kits (many thanks to Rowan who made me aware of this). The well should be open towards the backside of the wing and continues to the main spar of the wing. It is pretty difficult for me to explain so just compare Sergey's photos of the built-in set with the picture of the kit's wing.

By using this set the kit's wheel wells are completely replaced. This means, that you have to remove the kit's well, which is integrally moulded with the wing parts. As pointed out already when reviewing Vector's P-39 wheel well, this is not for the faint hearted and it would be not bad if you already have some experience in “plastic surgery” .. please do not hurt yourself when doing this!

Furthermore, you have to thin certain parts of the wing to get it closed after installing the resin parts. The areas are pointed out in the small instruction sheet included, but you will need to do some test fitting and sanding to get a proper fit. The detail on the parts is very good and the casting is flawless. The material used is similar to the resin you get from Aires. You will have to rely on your own library for the colour of the many additional details, as no hints are given.

Conclusion

This is a great enhancement for Tamiya's Mustang or the ICM clone. It might also be made to fit the other kits on the market, but you may have to rework the parts. Because of the work needed to fit the resin parts I would recommend this set to the advanced modeller.

You can buy this set via NeOmega, Linden Hill or Sprue Brothers. Thanks to Sergey Kosachev for the review sample.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.

SUMMARY

Highs: Highly detailed. Flawless casting.Lows:Verdict: Vector's wheelwell is a great improvement over the kit wheel wells, being both more accurate and far better detailed.

I was born in 1974 and started modelling in the 80ies. The first models I remember are a MiG 21 F-13, Saab Draken (both 1/100) and the Tu-2 (72) all from the east German producer Plastikart. during my first years I built all kind of models mainly 1/72 and 1/100. Beside the mentioned Plasticart kits ...

Hi Charles
as written at the end of the review you can get it in North America via Linden Hill or Sprue Brothers (e.g.). It costs 9,50GBP at NeOmega did not check the other sites ... hope you understand that i cannot research prices for every country on the world, so I left that to the reader.
all the best
Steffen
P.S: @ J-L: many thanks. i think it is a good set. Of course it is not cheap especially considering that you have to turn the model to see anything of it, still I think it is worth the price.

Steffen,
Thanks for your quick reply. I know you can't add the costs as it varies worldwide.......for whatever reason, when I first read the review, I missed the supplier altogether! Call it too early Cali. f time, and lack of coffee
Thanks for the review.....this does look like a very nice after market kit
Cheers,
Charles